Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

The Script

The Crowd Was Singing Wonderwall

Listen Live

Harrogate pupils plant 2,000 crocus bulbs to help end polio

Thursday, 23 October 2025 11:41

New Park Primary pupils planting purple crocus bulbs.

Harrogate pupils have dug in for a good cause, planting more than 2,000 crocus bulbs to help end polio.

Pupils from New Park Primary Academy have joined forces with the Harrogate Rotary Club to plant purple crocus bulbs in support of Rotary International’s global ‘Purple4Polio’ campaign.

The planting event took place in the school grounds and involved children from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1), who worked alongside Rotary volunteers to plant the bulbs.

The activity aimed to raise awareness of ongoing efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.

The purple crocus has become a symbol of the campaign, representing the purple dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been immunised against the disease.

Hollie Bailey, a teacher at New Park Primary Academy, said:

“Our children had a wonderful time getting their hands dirty for a good cause.

“It was a fantastic way to bring learning outside the classroom while helping them understand how small actions can make a big difference in the world.”

According to Rotary International, global vaccination efforts have reduced cases of polio by more than 99%.

Members of Harrogate Rotary Club supplied the bulbs and helped the pupils throughout the day.

Teachers described the event as a valuable opportunity for pupils to learn about teamwork and global citizenship through hands-on activity.

More from Local News

Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly

Residents are being reminded not to place batteries or unwanted electrical items containing batteries in their household waste or recycling bins to help to prevent fires.
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.